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“Oh, sorry.” Sadira set her down and then patted the top of Tif’s hat.

Aunt Evalyn approached with a glass of wine. She had more energy here and even the gray in her hair had lessened. The undying waters of Runevale would give her a much longer life. “Sorry, I know I was on kid duty tonight, but Aramis was practically climbing the walls because he was so eager to see the party. Thankfully Reed and Darrio fell asleep. Darrio’s nursemaid is with them.”

“It’s fine. Thank you for watching them tonight.”

Thane took out his sword and Aramis’s eyes lit up. “Who better to play sword fight with than your Uncle Thane.”

Aramis jumped off her and took out his small wooden sword. “Yay!”

Sadira climbed onto Valeen’s lap and started braiding a lock of her mother’s hair. “Let’s dance, mama.”

“Alright, my love.” She lifted Sadira on her hip and twirled to the music. Her little giggle filled Valeen with joy. Life was perfect.

Hours later,Valeen laid her head on Hel’s chest. The crickets chirped outside the window and a cool breeze fluttered the curtains. The castle was quiet with everyone asleep in their rooms. She traced the lily tattoo on his chest while he played with her hair. Her skin tingled with his touch, that hadn’t changed. She truly had everything she wanted, and it was even sweeter after how hard they had to fight to get it. “I love you, Zaurahel.”

Lightly grabbing her chin, he lifted her face to his and kissed her. “I love you.” She smiled and pulled back. With a low growl, he tugged on a lock of her hair and dragged her in. “Come back here. I want more. I will always want more.”

The End